Dunleer energy group clinch national award
ONE of the most dynamic sustainable living groups in the region has scooped a top award for their vision and expertise.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) announced the winners of the 2020 SEAI Energy Awards during an online awards ceremony which saw Dunleer Sustainable Energy Community take home the Inspirational Energy Community Award.
Dunleer Sustainable Energy Community is a very well-established and professional organisation that is providing end-to-end service from education on energy efficiency and renewable energy, to administration of grant applications, and coordinating upgrades.
The group has made a real impact on energy use in Dunleer with over 200 premises significantly upgraded in recent years. It has also provided a one-stop-shop type retrofit model by bringing together the different community partners for successful projects. Dunleer is now mentoring other communities to replicate the successes they have achieved.
‘ We are just delighted to win the Inspirational Energy Community Awards at this year’s SEAI Energy Awards. It gives recognition to our work. It is wonderful for this community and it is wonderful for the Sustainable Energy Community Network that they could get inspiration from us. If we can do it, you can do it,’ Elizabeth Kearney, Dunleer Sustainable Energy Community Lead said.
The group was formed in 2015 by a group of like minded individuals, intent on educating people about sustainability - something everyone can do.
They organised a number of projects, including upgrades at the Birches daycare centre in Dundalk as well as LED lights for a local soccer club.
They also promoted an interactive quiz on energy and that went nationwide.
They have also progressed their talks outside of the Dunleer area to take in communities in neighbouring counties.
‘We would like to thank the homeowners and community groups, farmers and business who availed of our service, our partners S.E. Systems and their installers based in North Leinster. Also, the Centre for Renewables and Energy at Dundalk Institute of Technology SPIRE2 project (DKIT), Louth Local Authority, Louth Leader Partnership, Credit Unions across Louth, SEAI’, the group added.
Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan T.D. remarked, ‘ The SEAI Energy Awards celebrate success, leadership and ambition in sustainable energy. I believe Ireland’s energy transition is going to be good for us as a country and our people are going to be good at it. We have real skills and capabilities and it starts with everyone in their own way making change, demanding change and delivering it.’
SEAI received 124 entries to the 2020 SEAI Energy Awards with projects delivering combined energy savings of €42million. Commenting, William Walsh, CEO of SEAI, said: ‘Despite the significant challenges this year, the volume and quality of entries reflects an unwavering commitment of individuals, and organisations to sustainable energy and climate action.’